soothe

verb

ˈsüt͟h 

soothed; soothing

transitive verb

1

: to please by or as if by attention or concern : placate

2

: relieve, alleviate

soothe a cough

3

: to bring comfort, solace, or reassurance to

music soothes the soul

intransitive verb

: to bring peace, composure, or quietude

soother noun

Synonyms of soothe

• reassure
• assure
• comfort

Examples of soothe in a Sentence

The waiter tried to soothe the angry customer.

This cream soothes aching muscles.

Her nerves were soothed by a warm bath.

Nothing can soothe their pain.

Recent Examples on the Web

Maybe knowing that Henry has reunited with Claire could be enough to soothe her heavy heart. — Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 19 Sep. 2026

Spacious and flooded with natural light, thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows, the rooms lean into a soothing palette of cool grays, warm wood accents, and pops of yellow. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Sep. 2026

Sensitive complexions get extra TLC from soothing Centella asiatica, antioxidant-rich green tea, and conditioning lysine. — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 18 Sep. 2026

The show is so cozy and soothing that the actors frequently fell asleep during takes and can be spotted snoozing in the background. — Josh Gondelman, New Yorker, 17 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English sothen to verify, from Old English sōthian, from sōth

First Known Use

1617, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for soothe

• smooth
• sooth

Kids Definition

soothe

verb

ˈsüt͟h 

soothed; soothing

1

: to please by or as if by attention or concern : placate

2

: alleviate, relieve

the lotion soothed his sunburn

3

: to bring comfort : calm down

music soothes the soul